Every year on November 1, the world celebrates World Vegan Day. It’s a window of opportunity to reflect on how our food choices shape the planet and the lives that share it with us. What began in 1994 as a small celebration by the Vegan Society has evolved into a global movement, driven by ethics, health, and environmental urgency.
Can You Eat Meat and Still Be an Environmentalist? Each year, an estimated 80 billion land animals are slaughtered for food, that’s over 2,500 every second, not including the trillions of fish and other marine animals pulled from the oceans. The livestock industry is now responsible for around 14.5 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), more than the entire transport sector combined.
It’s also a leading driver of deforestation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss, with roughly 80 per cent of all agricultural land devoted to grazing or growing feed for animals rather than food for people.
Choosing a plant-based meal, even just once a day, can make a measurable difference. Research from Oxford University shows that shifting to a vegan diet can cut an individual’s food-related carbon footprint by up to 73 per cent. Beyond the numbers, it’s also a vote for compassion: a way to spare lives, protect habitats, and reduce the strain on natural resources.
As the conversation around sustainability deepens, Abu Dhabi’s culinary scene is embracing the challenge beautifully, proving that plant-based dining can be both creative and full of flavour. From truffle-infused risottos to artful Japanese creations, these dishes show that going vegan isn’t about giving up flavour, it’s about discovering a whole new world of it.
NIRI Restaurant & Bar
Proof that vegan dishes can be both elegant and full of umami, NIRI’s creations are nothing short of spectacular. The Agadashi, with its golden-crisp tofu, cherry tomato, lotus root, and delicate agedashi sauce, is comfort food, elevated. Equally beautiful, the Yasai Nigiri Set offers daikon, avocado, myoga, mitsuba, and pickled mustard leaves in bite-sized perfection.
Taparelle
Mediterranean sunshine meets French-Italian flair at Taparelle, where fresh ingredients shine. The Woodfired Tomato – a colourful plate of heirloom tomatoes, grilled bread, and basil – is culinary simplicity at its best. For something heartier, try the Pasta alla Norma, reimagined vegan-style, and just as indulgent as the original.
Villa Sélène
Rich and indulgently aromatic, Villa Sélène’s Truffle Risotto redefines plant-based dining. Made with creamy Carnaroli rice, porcini and shimeji mushrooms, and a luxurious blend of black truffle paste and freshly shaved truffle, it’s finished with vegan butter, capturing the earthy richness and quiet indulgence of true Italian comfort.
Hawksbill Restaurant
Dessert lovers, rejoice. Hawksbill’s Chocolate Avocado Cake is a showstopper – rich, moist, and decadently smooth, served with almond cinnamon crumble and vegan mint chocolate cream for that perfect finish.
Crafty Fox
Bright, bold, and bursting with flavour, the Citrus Bite Salad at Crafty Fox is a fresh fusion of endive leaves, mixed citrus, edamame, walnuts, and white balsamic dressing – a zesty reminder that greens can steal the show.
The Forge
Known for its premium cuts, The Forge surprises with its stellar vegan lineup. The Soybean Steak and Grilled Cauliflower Steak are both proof that plants can play the leading role. Round it out with The Forge Salad, featuring greens from the hotel’s vertical farm, grilled pumpkin, and popped quinoa in an orange-mango dressing for a light, bright, and beautifully balanced meal.
Li Jiang
Li Jiang’s contemporary Asian menu has plenty to offer vegan diners. Don’t miss the Vegetarian Seaweed Salad, a refreshing mix of wakame, avocado, apple, and Asian herbs, or the Hosomaki Avocado, a minimalist roll that celebrates clean, simple flavour.
Mijana
For a taste of the Middle East with a MICHELIN-approved touch, Mijana brings warmth and depth to vegan dining. The restaurant’s Vegetable Tagine is a hearty, soul-soothing blend of zucchini, artichoke, potato, pumpkin, carrot, onion, and green peas, slow-cooked with coriander, parsley, ginger, and turmeric. A dish that proves comfort and sophistication can share the same plate.
